Free State Agriculture's Dr Jack Armour, tells OFM News that the devastation caused by the veld fires is almost immeasurable. He adds that an estimated R30 million worth of livestock had been lost, as well as a further R345 million of grazing land. He says that a recent quick survey that was done by 63 farmers, estimated structural damages that amounted to R3 million. However, Armour says that number was far below the actual damages caused.

Stock theft cases are increasing at an alarming rate in the North West province. According to the spokesperson of the Premier's Office in the North West, Brian Setswambung, stock theft has become a nightmare to authorities in the province. He says they are, however, doing all they can to ensure that the livestock theft rate is contained. This, follows after five suspects were caught by police officers with a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen goats. He adds that the suspects had allegedly murdered the two police officials who caught them. He further thanks the investigative team that was tasked to arrest the suspects and locate the murdered policemen.

AND

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture has of late hosted a number of district webinars to inform and engage with various sectors within the agricultural department to monitor the success of programmes relating to transformation and women empowerment. According to the MEC Mase Manopole, these smaller webinars will be combined to form the provincial webinar that will be held next month. She adds that Frances Baard is one of the upcoming districts where webinars will be hosted. The focal point of these webinars is engagement with farmers, farmworkers and prospective farmers for the improvement of the agricultural sector in the Northern Cape.

OFM News/Lee Simmons